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The REAL Big Bear Eagles Fan Party: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Jackie And Shadow's Annual Celebration

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Forget the Philadelphia Eagles. As of December 2025, the "Big Bear Eagles Fan Party" is one of the most heartwarming and unique wildlife celebrations in Southern California, drawing thousands of dedicated fans from across the country—all to celebrate a pair of internet-famous bald eagles named Jackie and Shadow. This annual gathering, formally part of the "Outdoor Adventure Days" hosted by the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), is a testament to the global phenomenon of the Big Bear Nest Cam, where viewers tune in 24/7 to watch the drama of nesting season unfold. The event is a crucial opportunity for the community to connect with the wildlife experts and learn about conservation efforts for these magnificent birds.

This deep dive reveals the latest updates and the fascinating story of how two wild raptors became the biggest celebrities in Big Bear Lake, California, and why their fan party is a must-attend event for nature lovers and dedicated "Eagle Fans" in 2025. The event is a unique blend of education, community, and pure adoration for the Big Bear bald eagles.

The Phenomenon: Who Are Jackie and Shadow?

The core of the Big Bear Eagles Fan Party lies with the celebrity couple: Jackie and Shadow. These resident wild bald eagles have captivated an international audience through a live, high-definition nest camera operated by the non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). Their life in the San Bernardino National Forest has become a viral sensation, turning their nesting season into must-watch reality TV for wildlife enthusiasts.

Jackie, the female, and Shadow, the male, typically return to their nest near Big Bear Lake each year to prepare for a new clutch of eggs during the winter months. The Big Bear Nest Cam provides intimate, real-time access to their daily lives, including egg-laying, incubation, and the eventual hatching and fledging of their eaglets. This unscripted drama has built a massive, loyal fanbase, providing the foundation for the annual fan party.

Biography of Big Bear's Famous Bald Eagles

  • Names: Jackie (female) and Shadow (male).
  • Species: Bald Eagle (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*).
  • Residence: A large, established nest in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Lake, California.
  • Fame Status: International wildlife celebrities due to the FOBBV-operated 24/7 live Nest Cam.
  • Annual Cycle: Typically return to their nest in the fall (around nesting season) to prepare for eggs and remain through the fledging of their young in the spring/early summer.
  • Notable Offspring: The pair has raised several eaglets over the years, including the internet-famous siblings Sunny and Gizmo, who fledged in recent seasons.
  • Organizer: Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of the valley’s ecosystem.

1. The Fan Party is Part of "Outdoor Adventure Days"

The "Eagle Fan Party" is not a standalone event but a key component of a larger, multi-day educational gathering known as Outdoor Adventure Days. This event is designed to celebrate the natural beauty and wildlife of the Big Bear Valley, with Jackie and Shadow serving as the main attraction and a powerful symbol of local conservation efforts. The celebration usually takes place in late spring or early summer, after the eaglets have successfully fledged or are close to leaving the nest.

The event is a crucial fundraiser and awareness platform for the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the non-profit group that maintains the nest cam and monitors the eagles. FOBBV Executive Director Sandy Steers and other wildlife experts are often on hand to meet with fans, answer questions, and provide up-to-the-minute updates on the eagles' status.

2. The Latest Update: 2025 Event Details

For dedicated fans planning a pilgrimage to Big Bear Lake, the most current information points to the next scheduled gathering. According to recent announcements, the "Outdoor Adventure Days: Eagle Fan Party And Native..." event is slated for June 21, 2025. This date typically coincides with a time when the eaglets have either recently fledged or are spending their final weeks near the nest, allowing fans to celebrate a successful nesting season.

Fans who can't make the trip to Southern California can still participate in the community spirit online. The FOBBV social media channels and YouTube page are constantly updated with "Quiet Moments Being Eagles" and other footage, maintaining the connection with the global fanbase.

3. Activities Include Expert Q&A and Eaglet Art

The Big Bear Eagles Fan Party is far more than just a meet-and-greet; it’s an educational and family-friendly experience. Attendees get a rare chance to interact with the people who monitor and protect Jackie and Shadow. Key activities and offerings typically include:

  • Expert Viewings: Access to a booth or area where FOBBV staff and wildlife experts are on hand to view the nest (via live feed) and answer questions about bald eagle behavior, conservation, and the history of the Big Bear eagles.
  • Family Activities: The event often features activities geared toward children, such as coloring stations where kids can draw bald eagles and learn about the species.
  • Merchandise and Fundraising: An opportunity to purchase official Jackie and Shadow merchandise, including plushies and bandanas, with proceeds going directly to the Friends of Big Bear Valley to support their ongoing efforts in wildlife protection and maintaining the Nest Cam.
  • Community Connection: A chance for fans who have only interacted online to meet "IRL" (in real life) and share their passion for the eagles and the Nest Cam's daily drama.

4. The Fan Base is Global and Highly Engaged

The reach of Jackie and Shadow extends far beyond Big Bear Lake. The Nest Cam has created a massive, highly engaged, and truly global community. This passionate fan base is a critical force in conservation, demonstrating the power of digital media in connecting people to the natural world.

The community is so dedicated that they actively participate in naming the eaglets and have even mobilized for local environmental causes. For instance, in a recent controversy, bald eagle fans organized a petition against the annual Big Bear fireworks show, citing concerns about the noise and disruption to the eagles' habitat. This level of engagement highlights the topical authority and influence of the Jackie and Shadow phenomenon on local issues.

5. The Party Celebrates Big Bear’s Eagle History

The celebration is not just about the current pair, but the long history of bald eagles in the Big Bear Valley. Historically, bald eagles were only wintering eagles in the area, migrating south from colder regions to find food when their home lakes further north were frozen. However, Jackie and Shadow have become resident eagles, choosing to stay and nest in the area, a significant development for Southern California wildlife.

The fan party, therefore, serves as a celebration of this successful adaptation and the ongoing efforts to protect the eagles' habitat within the San Bernardino National Forest. It solidifies Big Bear Lake's identity as a premier location for wildlife viewing and conservation education, making the annual Eagle Fan Party a unique and meaningful event on the 2025 calendar.

The REAL Big Bear Eagles Fan Party: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Jackie and Shadow's Annual Celebration
big bear eagles fan party
big bear eagles fan party

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